On International Women’s Day, we are taking the opportunity to reflect on the role SafeBreach can play in encouraging equity and inclusion for women within our company, across the technology industry, and around the world. This is particularly relevant in light of this year’s theme of “Break the Bias,” which is focused on creating a world that celebrates and values diversity.
We know a true commitment to diversity requires a vigilant focus on listening to those within our community, learning about the changes we need to make, and taking tangible steps to help break the bias. Towards this end, SafeBreach has made several commitments aimed at creating an environment that empowers girls and women, including:
Encouraging diversity within our hiring practices.
We’re committed to ensuring the gender identity within our organization reflects a 50/50 gender ratio.This won’t be done over night, in order to achieve this, we’re focusing our hiring practices and procedures on challenging traditional assumptions about who should be in the cybersecurity space, looking beyond outdated qualifiers like specific diplomas or career paths, and seeking out individuals with more diverse, but equally valuable backgrounds.
Prioritizing family within our company culture.
We know employees are whole people, with families, hobbies, and lives outside of work. We try to honor that by offering flexible work and vacation options, and paid parental leave, so all employees—regardless of gender—have the support they need to be their best.
Donating to Girls Who Code.
Fostering diversity begins with sharing knowledge and making the technology industry more accessible to all. Non-profit organizations and volunteering programs, like Girls Who Code, provide a valuable outlet through which industry experts can share their expertise with younger individuals in diverse, and often underprivileged, communities. We have made donations to support these types of grass-roots efforts that can help ensure individuals of all races, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds have the opportunity to gain exposure to technology topics and explore their interest in the field.
Highlighting women-centered stories.
This week, we were honored to have Ilana Golan, a former fighter pilot and technology entrepreneur, present to SafeBreach about her empowering story of personal growth, challenge, and success. Below, we’ve also highlighted the stories of five women at SafeBreach, who share what International Women’s Day means to them, reflect on their inspiration, and discuss the importance of female role models.
Mira Smus, people partner
What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a SafeBreach employee?
As a SafeBreacher I immediately think of the wonderful women in the company and that one of my goals is to hire more smart, talented and fun women like them to SafeBreach.
Who is your female role model and why?
My mother. She is the strongest woman I have ever met. She is a feminist without even thinking about it. She worked hard and developed her career at times when being a working mom wasn’t so common, and she did it with a lot of confidence and without the need to apologize.
Imagine you can look back at yourself as a child; what would you say today to that little girl?
Rest a little and have more fun – I assure you that you will succeed!
Vicki Tumia, technical support engineer
What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a SafeBreach employee?
I am so impressed at SafeBreach at the inclusion of women at every level. Everyone is treated like a peer from the CEO on down. The BAS area is new and heavily skewed on the male side when it comes to engineers. But at SafeBreach, it’s an even playing field in terms of every employee is treated with respect. As a woman, that is extremely valuable to me.
Who is your female role model and why?
Mother Eve. She was such a courageous woman who made the step forward into the unknown to benefit ALL of mankind. It was a sacrifice for the greater good. It’s unclear if she knew the consequences of her actions, but she wanted all of us to progress, so she made the choice to make that happen. Such a selfless person.
Imagine you can look back at yourself as a child; what would you say today to that little girl?
As a younger child, I worried about being able to have a family. It was a struggle for me to get my children here safely. So I would tell that girl that she does not need to worry, that she will definitely be blessed with the most awesome family. And that she will always be able to take care of them and help them be happy along the way.
Hila Levy, software engineer
What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a SafeBreach employee?
This day is about celebrating the power of women. It shines a spotlight on the many inspirational, supportive and motivational stories, which ultimately empower us, as women. I truly believe that when women support each other, incredible things can happen.
Who is your female role model and why?
Beyonce. She has used her fanfare to become a superpower influence on young people today. When she is talking, people are listening.
Imagine you can look back at yourself as a child; what would you say today to that little girl?
I would tell her that if she can dream of it, she can do it. And please buy some Bitcoins. 🙂
Nancy Corral, sales operations manager
What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a SafeBreach employee?
An opportunity to unite women from all over the world with different backgrounds to collaborate and empower young girls.
Who is your female role model and why?
My mom. She taught me to be strong, loving, and always have a good work ethic.
Imagine you can look back at yourself as a child; what would you say today to that little girl?
Don’t let the big obstacles that come in your life discourage you, these obstacles will make you stronger.
Vivian Nigri, software engineer
What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a SafeBreach employee?
It has a special meaning, women continue to be underrepresented in the tech world, and I am proud to be working at a company that takes action for equality and helps forge a gender-equal world, raising awareness against bias.
Who is your female role model and why?
My mother – she grew up in a male-dominated family but had the strength to fight for her dreams not letting anyone discourage her.
Imagine you can look back at yourself as a child; what would you say today to that little girl?
Don’t internalize or turn into self-aggression discrimination that society has for what’s on the outside. Act to change this prejudice.
Tina Cuje, head of US talent aquisition
What does international women’s day mean to you as a SafeBreach employee?
International Women’s Day is representative of a day to recognize the strong women we are all around the world. The women of SafeBreach have a platform to innovate and break down barriers; all with a sense of unity and supportiveness. It’s a day of recognition for all that we have achieved and will achieve both individually and together.
Who is your female role model, and why?
I’ve always had the mindset to look at each woman who has stepped into my life as a role model. From Teachers, Mothers, Friends and Colleagues. They have symbolized inclusivity, empathy; and most of all, they have shown me what strength looks like in many forms.
Imagine you can look back at yourself as a child; what would you say today to that little girl?
The road ahead will not be smooth, nor should it be. But it will help define you. Take that definition to help others define who they are.
Move Forward with Us
At SafeBreach, we’re building a diverse, creative team that’s fundamentally changing the way the world manages its defenses and controls cyber risk. Are you ready to join us? Check out our careers page to see open positions and learn more about what it’s like to work at SafeBreach.